 |
|
|
|
|
Cats no longer young--set to run for softball crown
By Dick Sparrer
A young Los Gatos girls softball team had a pretty solid season last spring, finishing up dead even at 13-13 for the year.
This year, the Wildcats are not so young ... and second-year head coach Marlo Ann Cortese is expecting big things from her squad.
Seniors returners Kim Pugh, Amanda Palasky and Tara Hodge will join with younger players Virginia Fritsch and Melissa Mullins to give Gatos a solid corps of returners entering the 2002 campaign.
"We should have a very rewarding season," said Cortese. "We were very strong last year, losing a few close games that could have been decided either way and qualifying for CCS."
And if their 4-0 start in the young '02 season is any indication, the Wildcats should be pretty strong again this year.
"Last year we were very young, carrying six freshmen on our roster," added Cortese. "This year we should display much more growth in several areas, which should lead to a solid performance this season."
All-league returners Pugh, Fritsch, Mullins and Palasky head up the Gatos hopes this spring.
Pugh, a senior shortstop, and Fritsch, a junior first sacker, are each back on the diamond this season after winning all-league first team spots last year. Mullins, a sophomore pitcher, was a second-team all-league pick a year ago and Palasky, a senior third baseman, was an honorable mention pick.
"With our returning seniors leading the team and our young pitching sensation Melissa Mullins, teams should definitely look at Los Gatos as a league title contender," said the coach. "The girls are pumped and ready to play, and we're very excited about the enthusiasm on the team. It should be a very fun year."
But Cortese is quick to add that things won't be easy in the rugged De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League ... they never are.
Our league is very competitive," she said, "but we welcome the challenge."
A newcomer expected to step right in and help the varsity vets is sophomore outfielder Camille Cardinale, the co-most valuable player of last year's junior varsity squad.
"She was brought up to the varsity for CCS last year and is expected to help the team tremendously," said Cortese of Cardinale.
The Wildcats pushed their early season record to 4-0 with two wins last week.
Mullins tossed a five-hit shutout to lead the Cats to a 9-0 win over Monterey in the first round of the Watsonville Tournament last weekend.
Pugh led the offense, ripping a homer and driving in three runs, and Fritsch doubled and singled twice to knock in two runs. Junior catcher Katie Ferrera added two hits.
Earlier in the week, Fritsch homered and singled to plate a pair of runs to lead the Wildcats to a 6-1 non-league win over Soquel. Mullins tossed a four-hitter for the win.
Hodge doubled and singled twice for the Cats and Pugh had three hits. Sophomore outfielder Donna Battaglia had two hits and Ferrera doubled.
Mullins whirled a two-hit shutout to pace the Cats to an 8-0 win over Saratoga. Fritsch homered in that one and Palasky had two hits to drive in two runs. Cardinale cracked a double.
Los Gatos opened the year with a tight 5-4 win in eight innings against Homestead. Fritsch doubled and tripled for the Cats, Hodge doubled and Palasky had two hits. Mullins flipped a five-hitter for the win.
Sophomore second baseman Jayne Pimentel and sophomore outfielders Jackie Pimentel, Nikki Cushman and Whitney Ellis round out the Gatos varsity squad this spring.
Los Gatos will be back on the diamond this week, hosting Milpitas on March 13, 7 p.m., before playing the Live Oak Tournament March 15-16 at the Twin Creeks Sports Complex.
|
|
|
|
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
